By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity could undermine the country’s democratic progress and threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections if urgent measures are not taken.
The organisation raised the concern in a Democracy Day statement issued on Friday, urging the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a major threat to democracy, the rule of law and citizens’ participation in governance.
CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said persistent cases of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and communal violence have continued to create fear among citizens, making it difficult for many Nigerians to travel, farm, attend school, run businesses and freely participate in electoral processes.
The group noted that between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 persons were abducted in 997 kidnapping incidents across the country, while no fewer than 762 people were killed in kidnapping-related attacks.
It added that victims’ families reportedly paid about N2.57 billion in ransom within the period.
According to CAPPA, the continued abduction of schoolchildren, women and young girls remains one of the most disturbing aspects of the country’s security crisis, with many victims spending prolonged periods in captivity under traumatic conditions.
The organisation expressed concern that growing insecurity could discourage voter turnout and civic participation ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that communities displaced by violence may face significant barriers to exercising their voting rights.
CAPPA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all persons currently in captivity, dismantle criminal networks and ensure perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
The group also advocated greater investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, early warning systems, inter-community surveillance and improved welfare for security personnel. It further urged governments at all levels to address underlying causes of violence, including poverty, youth unemployment, corruption, weak institutions and social exclusion.
Marking the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, CAPPA maintained that the success of democracy depends on the security and welfare of citizens, insisting that government must act urgently to restore public confidence and guarantee the protection of lives and property across the country.
